The Imo State Government has arrested seven persons for allegedly engaging in illegal revenue collection from commercial motorcycle operators popularly called ‘Okada’ riders, in the state.
The suspects were apprehended by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) X-Squad, in a coordinated operation involving the Office of the Governor’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit, Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) and the State Ministry of Transport.
According to Imo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo, the suspects were caught impersonating authorised government revenue officials, forging official documents, and extorting money from unsuspecting motorcycle riders under false pretences.
According to the Commissioner, the suspects include Kingsley Nwiwu, Chukwujekwu Ogbunikpa, Emmanuel a k.a. “00”, Chibuzo Ndubueze, Ejike Mbodo, Cyril and Odinaka Omumuawuike.
Okoronkwo said the suspects were currently in custody at the State Police Headquarters in Owerri undergoing further investigation.
He commended the synergy leading to the arrests, noting that the state government remained committed to stamping out all forms of illegal revenue collection and protecting lawful taxpayers from exploitation.
He warned that anyone caught engaging in such fraudulent activities will face the full weight of the law regardless of their status.
